Hypoglycemia in Infants

Definition

Glucose is a type of sugar. It is the body’s main source of energy.

Hypoglycemia is when the level of glucose in the blood becomes too low. When blood glucose drops too low, the body does not have enough energy to function properly. Hypoglycemia in infants occurs in babies less than one year old.

Causes

The body can normally balance the amount of glucose in the blood. The body will release insulin to reduce high levels of glucose in the blood. When blood glucose levels drop too low, the body can release stored glucose. Hypoglycemia occurs when these factors are disrupted.

Situations that can lead to hypoglycemia include:

Low fat and glucose stores—common in small for age or premature babies

Conditions that increase the use of glucose such as fevers, seizure, or stress

High levels of insulin

Newborns can also have hypoglycemia during the first 2 hours after birth. This is often a temporary situation. Your child’s body will adjust soon after birth.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase an infant’s risk of hypoglycemia due to low glucose stores include:

Premature birth

Low birth weight

Situations that use high amounts of glucose such as perinatal stress, cold stress, infection, fever, respiratory distress, and seizures

Birth defects

Factors that increase an infant’s risk of hypoglycemia due to high insulin include:

Factors in the mother that increase a child’s risk of having hypoglycemia include:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Having delivered a prior child with increased birth weight

Medications such as beta blockers

Illegal drug use

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include:

Irritability

Trembling

A high-pitched cry

Seizures

Bluish skin

Refusal to feed

Easily startled

Breathing problems

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your baby’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your baby's glucose levels will be checked. This can be done with blood testing.

The doctor will also want to determine the cause of your baby’s hypoglycemia. Tests will be done based on the suspected cause. They may include blood tests, scans to create images of organs, or genetic testing.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your baby. Treatment will focus on increasing the glucose in your baby’s blood. Underlying issues may also need to be treated. Options include:

Frequent Feedings and Glucose

Frequent feedings may help raise blood glucose levels in infants. Infants may also be given a glucose mixture with feedings or by IV. This may be done until the infant’s blood glucose level is stable.

Medications

Medication is usually not needed for hypoglycemia alone. It may be given to treat underlying conditions. Some medications can lower the release of insulin or encourage the liver to release more glucose.

Prevention

To prevent hypoglycemia in infants:

Breastfeed or formula feed early and often.

If you have diabetes during pregnancy, keep it in good control.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.